Homecoming 2011: Wake Forest may pose threat to Tar Heels

Few predicted that Wake Forest (5-2, 4-1 ACC) would have a chance to compete for the ACC title — let alone get out of its typical bottom-dwelling spot in the Atlantic Division.

But the Demon Deacons, who are just behind undefeated Clemson in the Atlantic Division standings, could pose a threat in the title race and to the Tar Heels on Homecoming Saturday.

Interim head coach Everett Withers, who was quick to praise Wake Forest head coach Jim Grobe for his recent success, said he’s not at all taking the match against the Demon Deacons lightly.

“Defensively, they’re going to bring a lot of pressure,” Withers said. “I think that’s how they kind of do things.

“They want to zone blitz you and try to create havoc. We’ve got to be able to pick up the blitzes, run the football and make the plays that are available.”

In its 59-38 loss to Clemson last week, North Carolina struggled to combat defensive pressure, and the Tar Heels turned the ball over five times.

UNC has tied Virginia for an ACC-high 18 turnovers this season, and redshirt sophomore quarterback Bryn Renner has thrown nine interceptions.

But against Wake Forest, he’s determined to make smarter decisions with the ball.

“Three interceptions and a fumble is unacceptable,” Renner said. “I definitely need to just make quicker reads. I just need to learn from the mistakes I’ve made and hopefully I can do that this week.”

The Tar Heels will have to cut down on their mistakes to snap their two-game losing streak in Saturday’s Homecoming match-up, as the Demon Deacons have the offensive fire power to put a lot of points on the board.

And Wake Forest’s talent is not lost on Withers.

“The quarterback is playing real efficient,” Withers said. “He’s in the top three in the ACC in a number of categories just because of his ability to be accurate throwing the ball.

“He has such good escapability that he makes a lot of plays just because he can get out of trouble himself and keep his eyes down field and find receivers.”

Wake Forest sophomore quarterback Tanner Price averages 260.1 passing yards per game, which ranks second behind Clemson quarterback redshirt sophomore Tahj Boyd.

And with UNC senior safety Matt Merletti out for the season, Price could pose a threat to a less-experienced North Carolina secondary.

Price frequently connects with redshirt junior wide receiver Chris Givens, who has racked up eight touchdowns this season and an ACC-high average of 126.6 yards per game.

And though the Tar Heels haven’t met Wake Forest since 2007, they have an idea of what to expect.

“They’re a good team,” Renner said. “They’re very fast, they’re playing well, really well … they’re a great team, well coached, and we’re looking forward to the challenge.”

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